Aston Villa and Newcastle United are reportedly keen on signing Matteo Guendouzi, but Lazio manager Maurizio Sarri wants to keep him at the Serie A club this summer.

According to a report by Corriere della Sera, as relayed by Sport Witness, Newcastle United and Aston Villa are interested in signing Matteo Guendouzi. The two Premier League clubs are keen on reinforcing their midfield departments in the summer transfer window. So, they have set their sights on the 26-year-old Lazio midfielder.

The Frenchman has a release clause worth €50 million in his contract with the Serie A club. However, Aston Villa and Newcastle United will unlikely secure Guendouzi’s signature unless they trigger the clause, as Maurizio Sarri is keen on keeping the player at the Italian club for another season.

Matteo Guendouzi and his career-changing exit

Matteo Guendouzi has gone from strength to strength since leaving Arsenal a few years ago. The French midfielder’s stint with the North London outfit ended a few years ago, and he returned to France by joining Marseille. Meanwhile, Lazio initially signed him from Marseille on an initial loan deal in August 2023 before completing a permanent move 12 months later.

The 26-year-old has come leaps and bounds during his spell with Lazio, establishing himself as one of the best midfielders in Serie A. Guendouzi has turned out nearly 100 times thus far for the Biancocelesti while chipping in with four goals and nine assists. Meanwhile, the player’s contract has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs, including Aston Villa and Newcastle United.

Premier League return on the cards?

Aston Villa’s interest in Matteo Guendouzi is understandable. The Villans are scouring the market for a versatile midfielder this summer, with Unai Emery demanding more options in the middle of the park going into the 2025/26 season. So, the Lazio midfielder has emerged as a viable target for Aston Villa.

As for Newcastle United, the Magpies are keen on signing a midfielder in the summer transfer window amid uncertainties surrounding Sean Longstaff’s long-term future. So, Guendouzi is an option worth considering for Newcastle United. Meanwhile, the 26-year-old Frenchman’s release clause of €50 million makes him an appealing target for the two Premier League clubs.

However, Aston Villa and Newcastle United will unlikely land Guendouzi unless they trigger his release clause and pay €50 million, as Maurizio Sarri wants to keep him at Lazio beyond the summer transfer window. So, it will be interesting to see if the two Premier League clubs can secure the French midfielder’s services in the coming weeks.